City of Edmonton launching transit safety pilot project with police, Indigenous community
Global News
The city, Edmonton police and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society are teaming up for a new $3.9-million project aimed at making people feel more safe on the bus and LRT system.
With the unanimous support of council, the City of Edmonton will start a three-year pilot program aimed at improving safety in and around Edmonton Transit Service transit stations.
“We know that transit is a major priority, but in order to get that ridership up, we really need to make sure people are feeling safe and comfortable,” explained Ward Metis Coun. Ashley Salvador.
In a presentation to council on Thursday, Edmonton’s city manager Andre Corbould said in 2021, Edmonton’s transit peace officers were busy responding to more than 52,000 incidents.
In a recent survey, Corbould said 78 per cent of current bus and LRT riders said they were satisfied with their safety — down five per cent from 2015.
Meanwhile, Edmonton police Chief Dale McFee said the average crime severity is 12 per cent higher at LRT and bus stations compared to the citywide average.
McFee listed a number of crimes being reported by transit users, including personal robberies, assaults and weapon-related offences. Users have also reported open drug use on transit.
A $3.9-million plan aims to address the problems by adding three more community outreach transit teams — pairs of workers from Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and peace officers. They patrol the transit systems together.
“It’s not just about enforcement, but it’s about connecting people with the supports and services they need,” Salvador said.
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